Expert Vascular Treatment for Knee Pain
If you suffer from chronic knee pain due to Osteoarthritis and have tried medication, physical therapy, and injections to help with your pain—Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the right choice for you instead of knee replacement surgery. Our team of Vascular Specialists, led by Dr. Thomas A. Shuster, is the leading practice for vascular health in mid Michigan. Let us help you today!
WHAT IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE)?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally-invasive procedure providing immediate and long term pain relief for patients with Osteoarthritis and Degenerative joint disease
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) blocks the blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with Osteoarthritis, which can alleviate or eliminate knee pain altogether.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is the revolutionary next step after exhausting conventional therapies for Osteoarthritis knee pain before considering knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgery is not always the best solution for Osteoarthritis knee pain due to age or other factors. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) can last for years before you may need to have total knee replacement surgery.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE) AND TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE) PROCEDURE
- Performed by a Vascular Surgeon
- The next step in your treatment for chronic knee pain after attempting physical therapy, medication, and injections
- Minimally-invasive procedure performed in-office; often less than 1 hour
- No hospital stay; general anesthesia not needed
- Resume your normal activities within 1-2 weeks after procedure; no physical therapy is required
- Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) lasts 3 months-4 years
TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
- Performed by an Orthopedic Surgeon
- The final step in your treatment for osteoarthritis after doing physical therapy, medication, injections, and Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
- Surgical procedure performed in a hospital operating room; often 2 hours
- 1-3 day hospital stay; general anesthesia is given for the surgery
- Full recovery time can take up to 18 months; additional physical therapy is required after surgery
- A total knee replacement lasts 15-20 years
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GAE?
SHORT RECOVERY TIME
Within just 1-2 weeks, you’re back to your normal life and activities with less pain. Many patients experience immediate pain relief after GAE.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE
Only a band aid is needed with Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—and almost no scarring, which also helps decrease recovery time.
DELAY SURGERY
This quick procedure is done in-office, allowing you to return home the same day. For many patients, GAE provides years of pain relief before requiring surgery.
IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE) RIGHT FOR YOU?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a treatment alternative for patients with knee pain due to Osteoarthritis who have failed conventional therapy, such as medication, physical therapy, or knee injections. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an excellent choice to delay knee replacement surgery and alleviate chronic knee pain. We recommend a consultation with a member of our care team to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GAE?
- Patient experiences moderate to severe knee pain
- Patient has knee tenderness, inflammation
- Patient led an active lifestyle prior to their knee pain and wants to increase activity
- Patient has failed other treatments (medication, physical therapy, injections)
- Patients who have already had total knee replacement surgery but still experience pain
“My knee feels fantastic. I’m off all three pain medicines and can’t wait to get my other one done.”
– Dave R.
“This procedure really helped improve my knee pain. I am thankful to be active with my grandkids again.”
– Joanne M.
“I can go downstairs without stopping, no more one by one. I’m so happy.”
– Linda K.
THOMAS A. SHUSTER, DO
Integrated Vascular Vein Center of Michigan is led by Thomas A. Shuster, DO, who earned his osteopathic medical degree at Ohio University and continued to study vascular surgery at the University of Missouri. Dr. Shuster is dedicated to the treatment of all vascular diseases, specializing in vein therapies.
A native of Ohio, Dr. Shuster attended the University of Toledo to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology and then continued at the Ohio University to obtain his osteopathic medical degree. He completed his general surgery residency at Michigan State University before completing a two-year vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Missouri.
Dr. Shuster is an associate professor at Michigan State University and is published in international textbooks and journals. He is an active committee member in the American College of Phlebology (the study of veins), is a member of national vascular societies, and participates in local hospital quality committees, as well as international musculoskeletal embolization committees.